The Punjab hospital pharmacy ban aims to stop private pharmacies operating in government hospitals. The health department ordered all illegal outlets to close immediately.
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Reports said many private pharmacies were selling drugs at higher prices, often with help from hospital staff. Major teaching hospitals, including Jinnah, Mayo, and Services, were particularly affected.
Some pharmacy owners obtained stay orders from civil courts to continue operations. They even hired armed men to confront hospital authorities, creating tense situations.
The health department held a high-level meeting and decided to support hospitals in vacating court stay orders. The ban covers all state-run hospitals in Punjab.
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Officials directed hospital heads to ensure full compliance. The move aims to protect patients and end exploitation by private pharmacy owners.